For farmers, growers, and agribusinesses, expanding or constructing agricultural buildings is often essential for improving productivity, protecting crops, or housing livestock. However, navigating the complexities of planning permission can be time-consuming and costly. A common question arises: What size agricultural building can you build without planning permission?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the regulations surrounding permitted development rights (PDR) for agricultural buildings, clarify size limits, and provide actionable insights to help you maximize your farm’s potential while staying compliant.
Permitted Development Rights (PDR) are legal provisions that allow landowners to build or modify structures without needing full planning permission. These rights aim to reduce bureaucratic hurdles for agricultural businesses while ensuring responsible land use. However, specific conditions and limitations apply, particularly regarding the size, location, and purpose of the structure.
Key Criteria for Exemptions:
1.The building must be used solely for agricultural purposes (e.g., machinery storage, livestock housing, crop processing).
2.The structure must comply with height, placement, and material specifications.
3.The project must not negatively impact protected landscapes, wildlife habitats, or public safety.
The permitted size of an agricultural building without planning permission varies by region. In England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, the rules differ slightly, so always consult local authorities before breaking ground. Below, we outline general guidelines based on UK-wide standards:
Standard Allowance: Under permitted development rights, you can construct an agricultural building with a floor area of up to 1,000 square meters (10,763 sq ft) without planning permission.
Cumulative Limits: If your property already has existing agricultural structures built under PDR, the total combined floor area must not exceed 1,000 square meters. Exceeding this threshold requires full planning permission.
Prior Notification: For buildings larger than 465 square meters (5,000 sq ft), you must submit a “prior notification” application to your local planning authority (LPA). This process ensures the LPA can assess the building’s design, location, and environmental impact.
Eaves Height: The eaves (the lowest part of the roof) should not exceed 3 meters (9.8 feet) if the building is within 3 kilometers of an airport or aerodrome.
Even if your project meets size and height criteria, additional restrictions may apply depending on your location or land designation:
In National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), or World Heritage Sites, permitted development rights are more restrictive. For example:
The maximum floor area allowed without planning permission drops to 465 square meters.
Roof materials must blend with the natural surroundings (e.g., green or brown finishes).
Structures housing livestock have stricter rules to address odor, noise, and pollution concerns:
Buildings must be at least 400 meters (1,312 feet) from residential properties in non-designated areas.
In designated areas, this distance increases to 800 meters (2,625 feet).
Temporary agricultural buildings (e.g., polytunnels, mobile poultry units) may be exempt from size restrictions if they are removed within 28 days of use.
To avoid penalties or enforcement actions, follow these steps before constructing your agricultural building:
Confirm that your project qualifies as an agricultural operation. Structures used for non-farming purposes (e.g., retail, residential) require full planning permission.
For buildings over 465 square meters, submit detailed plans to your LPA, including:
A site plan showing the building’s location.
Elevation drawings with dimensions.
A statement explaining the agricultural need.
The LPA has 28 days to approve or request modifications.
Avoid disturbing protected species or habitats (e.g., bat roosts, hedgerows).
Implement drainage systems to prevent runoff pollution.
Work with an agricultural architect or planning consultant to ensure your design meets all technical requirements.
Constructing an agricultural building without planning permission offers several advantages:
Cost Savings: Avoid application fees and lengthy approval processes.
Speed: Begin construction sooner to meet seasonal demands (e.g., harvest storage).
Flexibility: Modify or expand structures as your operations grow.
1.Assuming All Structures Qualify: Greenhouses, slurry tanks, and fuel storage units often have unique rules.
2.Ignoring Neighbor Concerns: Even permitted projects can face opposition if they block views or create noise.
3.Overlooking Renewables: Installing solar panels on agricultural buildings may require separate permissions.
A dairy farm in Yorkshire needed additional storage for hay and machinery. By designing a 900-square-meter barn under permitted development rights, the farm:
Avoided 6 months of planning delays.
Saved £15,000 in application and legal fees.
Positioned the structure 30 meters from the highway to comply with visibility rules.
Q: Do I need permission for a greenhouse?
A: Most greenhouses qualify under PDR if used for horticulture and under 465 square meters.
Q: What if my building exceeds size limits?
A: Submit a full planning application or revise your design to meet PDR criteria.
Understanding the size limits for agricultural buildings without planning permission empowers farmers to expand efficiently while staying compliant. By adhering to permitted development rights, you can save time, reduce costs, and focus on what matters most—growing your business.
At Kunyu, we specialize in designing and installing custom agricultural buildings tailored to your needs and local regulations. Contact us today to explore how we can help you build smarter, faster, and within the law.
+86 189 2488 9901 +86 189 2455 5194
+86 189 2488 9901 +86 189 2455 5194
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